The Skiers' Guide to Zell am See - Kaprun

Zell am See-Kaprun combines the beauty of an Austrian lakeside town with high-altitude glacier skiing, creating a versatile destination that appeals to all types of skiers. Located in the Salzburgerland region, the resort benefits from a short transfer time from Salzburg airport, making it wonderfully accessible for weekend trips or longer stays.

With an overall rating of 4.36/5 from our users, this dual-centre resort offers skiing across three distinct areas: the Schmittenhöhe (Zell's local mountain), Maiskogel, and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun. The resort stretches from 750m to 3029m, providing an impressive vertical drop and reliable snow conditions, especially on the glacier.

One Snomad community member liked that "Zell is a beautiful lake-side Austrian town. Really pretty and with a great choice of apres bars, restaurants and night life." The connected areas provide variety and flexibility, with Jonathan, an intermediate skier, noting that "lifts are excellent, well maintained and speedy." Our users particularly praise the resort for family friendliness (4.62/5) and lift efficiency (4.65/5).

With 66 runs spread across three ski areas, Zell am See-Kaprun offers plenty of variety for a week's holiday. The terrain is well-balanced with 27 beginner runs, 28 intermediate runs, and 11 advanced runs, served by an extensive lift network of 15 gondolas/cable cars, 16 chairlifts, and 15 drag lifts.

The Schmittenhöhe area above Zell offers a mix of tree-lined slopes with lake views, while the Kitzsteinhorn glacier provides snow-sure skiing at higher altitudes. As William, an expert skier, explains: "There is so much to do in Zell am See/Kaprun, with the alpine card you have access to the Schmittenhöhe, the Kitzsteinhorn, the Maiskogel, Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn. More skiing than you could do in 2 weeks of holiday."

For intermediates, the resort is particularly well suited, scoring 4.45/5 for intermediate skiers. Josh, a beginner snowboarder, found "plenty of wide open slopes (particularly at the top)" which helped him progress. Advanced skiers aren't left out either, with the resort scoring 4.31/5 for advanced skiers.

The off-piste options are solid, with Daniel, an expert snowboarder, mentioning "great off-piste for snowboarders and good tree runs to find. If the snow is good it's definitely worth getting a guide to explore further afield." The Freeride World Tour has previously visited nearby Fieberbrunn, indicating the quality of the challenging terrain accessible from the wider ski area.

Zell am See-Kaprun scores 4.26/5 for eating out, with a variety of options both on the mountain and in the towns. The mountain restaurants receive consistently positive feedback, with Jonathan noting that "all the restaurants on the slopes serve great food and are well kept and easy to ski in/out of."

In town, the dining scene offers everything from traditional Austrian fare to international cuisine. One standout mentioned in reviews is Crazy Daisys, which some users consider "both the best bar and restaurant in town, offering great atmosphere and reliable food and drinks."

Food prices are generally reasonable for an Alpine resort. Antonia, an intermediate skier who visited in March, found "reasonable prices for food and drink too," while other users mention good value throughout the area.

The après-ski scene in Zell am See-Kaprun earns a solid 4.17/5 rating from our community. The atmosphere varies between the lively town of Zell am See and the more relaxed Kaprun, offering options for different tastes.

Craig, an advanced skier, enjoyed the "great après bars on and off the mountain," while Emma, an intermediate skier, found that "the village has a fantastic vibe with some great après bars." Rob mentions that "around New Year the après ski and evenings were amazing, lots of bars along the streets and some on the mountain as well."

Several users highlight that while the après scene might not be as wild as some Austrian resorts, it still offers plenty of fun with a good mix of mountain and in-town options. The lakeside setting of Zell adds to the charm of the evening experience, with bars and restaurants that cater to both party-goers and those seeking a more relaxed evening.

Zell am See-Kaprun shines when it comes to family-friendly skiing, with an outstanding 4.62/5 rating from our users. The resort offers gentle beginner slopes, excellent ski schools, and a variety of non-skiing activities.

Holly, an advanced skier who's been visiting for over 18 years, says: "It was the place where I first learned to ski as a child and, I would argue, the best resort there is. From its gentle blue cat walk runs, red slopes down to the village and a few blacks for a challenge, it's the perfect place for any family, no matter your ability."

The ski school quality (4.54/5) receives particular praise, with Andrew noting the "good variety of runs to suit all" and "many ski schools available." Hilary, who has returned five times with family, adds: "Ski school options for kids were great... lovely easy runs down to Kristalbahn lift or more challenged reds down to the 3K K-connection lift."

Beyond skiing, families appreciate the Tauern Spa in Kaprun, the walking routes around the lake, and the general ease of getting around the resort areas.

Accommodation in Zell am See-Kaprun is highly rated at 4.63/5, with options spanning hotels, apartments, and chalets across both towns. The range caters to various budgets and preferences.

Emma, an intermediate skier, mentions a practical feature: "Great locker system available to rent at bottom of main ski lift as a number of accommodations are a short walk away." This convenience factor is important, as not all lodging is ski-in/ski-out.

Andrew notes the "good variety of accommodation" throughout the resort, while Nigel, who has visited many times, finds "both towns big enough to have lots of eating and entertainment options."

The proximity to lifts varies, but the efficient local bus service helps connect accommodation to the slopes. Most properties in Zell are within walking distance of the CityXpress gondola, while Kaprun has its own lift access via the Maiskogel.

Zell am See-Kaprun has taken steps toward sustainability with their "Alpine Green" initiative. The resort focuses on reducing its environmental footprint through energy-efficient lift systems, particularly on newer installations like the K-onnection linking Kaprun to the glacier.

Public transport is a highlight, with an excellent free ski bus network connecting the resort areas, reducing the need for private cars. The resort has also invested in water-efficient snowmaking systems that minimize resource use while maintaining slope quality.

While not among the leaders in eco-certification, Zell am See-Kaprun demonstrates commitment to preserving its alpine environment through ongoing infrastructure improvements and waste reduction programs at mountain facilities.